Oral Presentation (max 20 mins including Q&A) National Men's Health Gathering 2025

Evaluating and scaling the Australian-Fans in Training (Aussie-FIT) men’s cardiovascular risk-reduction health behaviour change program: Lessons learned (128897)

Matthew D McDonald 1 , Bryce Brickley 2 , Toby Pavey 3 , Lee Wharton 3 , James A Smith 2 , Jason Bonson 2 , Eleanor Quested 1
  1. School of Population Health and enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
  2. Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
  3. School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Background: The National Men’s Health Strategy 2020–2030 calls for preventive health programs that are consumer-informed, male-focused, and delivered in settings where men feel comfortable. In response, the Australian Fans in Training (Aussie-FIT) program is a 12-week evidence-based men’s health intervention delivered in sport settings. The group-based program includes weekly 90-minute sessions combining physical activity with interactive, workshop-style education. It promotes a supportive and engaging environment that fosters camaraderie. This program is currently being delivered in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland as part of a Heart Foundation-funded trial for men with or at risk of cardiovascular disease. The trial and program were developed with a focus on consumer involvement.

Aims: In this talk, we will:

  • Provide an overview of the background, rationale, and key components of Aussie-FIT
  • Describe the protocol for the on-going ‘hybrid effectiveness-implementation’ research trial designed to determine program effectiveness and inform scaling and sustainability post-trial
  • Outline our work with consumers and other stakeholders, with a focus on our work in Darwin to build mutually beneficial relationships with community leaders
  • Summarise progress to date, next steps and lessons learnt

Methods: Community advisory groups were formed in Brisbane, Darwin and Perth. A randomised multi-site trial is underway. We aim to recruit 320 men aged 35–75 with or at-risk of CVD by October 2025. Eligible men complete a series of health assessments at baseline enrolment, 3, 6 and 12-month timepoints. Barriers and facilitators to scaling and sustainability are also being assessed.

Results: Community advisory groups have been integral to trial leadership and served as a key mechanism for elevating the community voice to guide and inform the research. In Darwin, community engagement standards co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men were critical to equitable trial implementation and high-quality engagement with local community. Since the trial began in July 2023, eight partner football/rugby clubs have hosted the Aussie-FIT program, with 260 participants recruited.

Discussion:  Whereas most health behaviour change initiatives struggle to attract men, this project has illustrated the nationwide appeal of sport to attract men to take action for their health. Co-designed community engagement standards improved the trial implementation and design, built trust with priority populations, and addressed participation inequities. Key lessons learned have highlighted the importance of developing strong partnerships with trusted partners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and participation, and flexibility to accommodate cultural and contextual needs across jurisdictions.